The EUI Master in Transnational Governance has been officially accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO), confirming its adherence to the highest standards of higher education.
The NVAO is a quality assurance agency that ensures excellence in higher education in the Netherlands and Flanders through rigorous evaluations of academic programmes and institutions. While fulfilling its binational mandate, NVAO also maintains an international outlook. Its holistic assessment framework aligns with the European good practices, evaluating key aspects such as curriculum design, faculty expertise, student support services, and learning outcomes. To demonstrate compliance with the European standards and guidelines for quality assurance, the NVAO is listed in the European Quality Assurance Register.
Taught at the EUI Florence School of Transnational Governance (STG), the Master’s Degree combines academic excellence with practical learning. The programme offers a unique blend of rigorous teaching and hands-on experience through internships, mobility opportunities, and policy simulations, preparing students for leadership roles in governance and public policy.
“The accreditation is a strong endorsement of our unique programme and its evolution over the years. We welcome this vote of confidence in the School’s ability to deliver world-class education,” said Josephine van Zeben, Academic Director of the Master in Transnational Governance.
The evaluation panel's report concluded that the Master of Arts in Transnational Governance (MTnG) was recognised for its innovative multidisciplinary approach, which effectively connects academic reflection with practical application. The accreditation panel praised the programme’s ability to equip students with a broad range of skills and knowledge highly sought after in European institutions and the private sector. The strong network of partnerships with diverse European and non-European organisations ensures enriching internship experiences and promising career prospects for graduates. Additionally, the panel was particularly impressed by the diversity of teaching and assessment methods, which cater to the programme’s international and multidisciplinary student body and align with the overall learning outcomes.
A "high faculty-to-student ratio and a strong support system" were identified as distinctive strengths of the programme. The panel commended the commitment of faculty and staff, noting that the availability of teaching assistants and the increasing number of dedicated faculty members contribute significantly to the quality of education and student experience. These elements reinforce the MTnG’s position as a leading programme in transnational governance, preparing students to tackle complex, multi-jurisdictional, and intergenerational challenges in governance and policymaking.
“We are very pleased with the NVAO’s decision. Our Master in Transnational Governance is now recognised for what it is: an innovative programme addressing the major policy challenges of our time, taught by world-class faculty with unique teaching methods, and offering outstanding career pathways,” said George Papaconstantinou, Acting Director of the Florence School of Transnational Governance.
This accreditation reaffirms the Master’s position as a leading degree in public policy, built on a foundation of academic excellence, real-world impact, and a global perspective.
“This achievement is the result of a collective effort—a reflection of the dedication and collaboration between the Academic Service’s Quality Assurance team, the School of Transnational Governance faculty and staff, and the leadership of the EUI. Together, we have ensured that the programme meets the highest international standards, preparing future leaders to navigate the complexities of transnational governance,” said Fatma Sayed, EUI Academic Service Director.
The accreditation decision and evaluation report are published and accessible in the Database for External Quality Assurance Results.